The England women’s rugby league side used their mid‑season international clash against France as a springboard to sharpen their preparations for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, delivering a commanding performance at the Stade Ernest‑Wallon in Toulouse. This encounter marked England’s first international fixture of the calendar year, and the visitors left no doubt about their ambitions, posting a resounding 38‑4 triumph over the host nation.
From the opening whistle, the French side sought to establish an early foothold, successfully converting two penalty goals to take a 4‑0 lead. However, England responded swiftly through debutante Ellise Derbyshire, who crossed the try line to level the scores and then added a second try later in the match, showcasing her immediate impact at the senior level.
Derbyshire’s composure under pressure and her ability to find gaps in the French defensive line were clear indicators of why she earned her first cap. The English attack soon found its rhythm, with Lucy Murray delivering two powerful tries that highlighted her speed and agility on the wing. Murray’s runs were characterized by incisive footwork and an uncanny sense of timing, allowing her to exploit mismatches and finish with authority.
Adding to the offensive fireworks, Ella Donnelly celebrated her inaugural try for England, a moment that underscored the depth of talent emerging within the squad. Donnelly’s try came after a series of well‑executed phases that saw the English forwards dominate the midfield, creating space for the backs to strike.
One of the standout performances of the afternoon came from the reigning Woman of Steel, Eva Hunter. Demonstrating why she holds that prestigious title, Hunter executed a blistering run that saw her evade multiple French defenders before grounding the ball in the corner. Her try not only extended England’s lead to 28‑4 at the break but also served as a morale‑boosting showcase of individual brilliance combined with team support.
The halftime interval found England firmly in control, and the second half saw them maintain, then amplify, that dominance. Playmaker Jenna Foubister, orchestrating the English attack with precision, added her own try to the tally, further widening the gap. Her vision and distribution were evident throughout the match, as she consistently found her teammates in space and set up scoring opportunities.
In the closing stages, Derbyshire completed her brace, cementing her status as a rising star in the England ranks. Meanwhile, forward Izzy Rowe contributed significantly with the boot, successfully converting five of the seven attempts at goal. Rowe’s reliable kicking added valuable points and demonstrated the squad’s proficiency in capitalising on scoring chances.
Overall, the match statistics reflected England’s superiority: six tries for England versus none for France, complemented by a high conversion success rate that underscored disciplined execution. The try‑scorers for England were: Ellise Derbyshire (2), Lucy Murray (2), Ella Donnelly, Eva Hunter, and Jenna Foubister.
The comprehensive victory not only provided a confidence boost ahead of the World Cup but also offered the coaching staff valuable insights into player combinations, set‑piece execution, and defensive organization. Beyond the scoreboard, the game served as a platform for emerging talent to gain experience against a competitive side.
The French team, while outmatched on the day, displayed moments of resilience and provided a stern test for England’s defensive structures. Their early penalty goals forced England to adapt quickly, and the ensuing pressure helped the English side refine their defensive line, ensuring that they could absorb early setbacks in future high‑stakes matches. The England women’s squad, guided by head coach Stuart Barrow, used the match as a rehearsal for the tactical variations they expect to encounter at the World Cup.
Barrow’s emphasis on quick ball movement, support play, and maintaining a high defensive line was evident throughout the game. The team’s ability to transition seamlessly from attack to defense, and to sustain pressure on the opposition, will be crucial in the tournament’s knockout stages.
Looking ahead, the squad will return to their training base to analyse video footage from the Toulouse encounter, focusing on areas such as breakdown efficiency, set‑piece timing, and maintaining discipline under pressure. The coaching staff will also be monitoring the fitness levels of key players, ensuring that the squad remains fresh and injury‑free as the World Cup approaches. In summary, England’s 38‑4 win over France in Toulouse was more than just a comfortable victory; it was a comprehensive statement of intent ahead of the Rugby League World Cup. The blend of experienced campaigners and promising newcomers performed with cohesion, skill, and determination, laying a solid foundation for what promises to be a compelling tournament campaign.
Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as England builds on this momentum, hoping the team can translate this dominant display into World Cup success. England rugby league homepage Latest rugby league news